Taste and smell game

ABSTRACT

Games are disclosed with a plurality of sensory pieces and rules for playing the games utilizing at least some of the sensory pieces to determine a winner among participating players. The plurality of sensory pieces may include a plurality of flavor pieces, a plurality of scent pieces, or both. The flavor pieces and scent pieces may include both pleasant and unpleasant flavors and scents.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/796,353, “TASTE AND SMELL GAME,” filed Nov. 9, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates generally to games. More particularly, it relates to sensory games involving identifying scents, flavors, or both.

2. Description of Related Art

Parlor games, such as board and card games, are certainly a huge source of revenue for all toy manufacturers. Over the years they have been extremely popular with consumers like the legendary ones including Monopoly®, Scrabble®, Life®, and Clue® that have been around for a long time; but there are newer ones that have captivated the hearts and minds of many like Pictionary® and Scattergories®. Even in today's world where video games are extremely popular, parlor games still engage groups of people to interact in ways that video games do not.

One recent game that has been a huge hit is Cranium®. The game was conceptualized after the inventor spent a weekend playing games with his family and recognized the need for one involving a variety of skills It challenges everyone by getting them to use their mental, artistic, and physical abilities, including their senses of sight and touch. Cranium® and all other such parlor games, however, have never tested two particular human senses—taste and smell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Games are disclosed with a plurality of sensory pieces and rules for playing the game utilizing at least some of the sensory pieces to determine a winner among participating players. The plurality of sensory pieces may include a plurality of flavor pieces, a plurality of scent pieces, or both. The flavor pieces and scent pieces may include both pleasant and unpleasant flavors and scents. Each of the plurality of sensory pieces may include a tag with indicia associated with the identity of the associated flavor or scent of each sensory piece. The indicia may be the name of the associated flavor or scent, or may be a number. A key may be provided that cross-references the number with one of a flavor or scent.

In embodiments, the flavor pieces may each include a plurality of flavor strips. The flavor strips may be digestible flavored hydrocolloid film. Similarly, the plurality of scent pieces may each include a scent strip including micro-encapsulated scents. The plurality of scent pieces may be reusable. In embodiments, the flavor pieces may be candy, such as hard candy, jelly beans, licorice, or gum. The game may include at least 50 different flavors and/or scents in the various sensory pieces.

In some embodiments, the game may be played by selecting a first player, with the first player selecting a sensory piece from a plurality of sensory pieces. The first player may then sample the flavor or scent from the selected sensory piece and guess the flavor or scent. A score for the first player may be recorded. A second player then plays the game and receives a score. One of the players then wins based on the scores.

The scoring can be done using a timer, where the score for each player may be determined based on the amount of time required to provide a correct identification of the scent or flavor associated with the selected sensory piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures illustrate specific aspects of the described embodiments of sensory games. Together with the following description, the figures serve to demonstrate and explain various principles of the structures, components, and methods described herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a sensory game including some flavor and scent pieces.

FIG. 2A is a schematic drawing of a top isometric view of an exemplary flavor piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a schematic drawing of a bottom isometric view of the exemplary flavor piece of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a schematic drawing of a top isometric view of the exemplary flavor piece of FIG. 2A with an open door to access flavor strips held within the flavor piece.

FIG. 2D is a schematic drawing of an exemplary flavor strip.

FIG. 3A is a schematic drawing of an exemplary scent piece.

FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing of an isometric view of the exemplary scent piece of FIG. 3A opened to provided access to a scent panel.

FIG. 3C is a schematic drawing of an exemplary scent piece.

FIG. 3D is a schematic drawing of an isometric view of the exemplary scent piece of FIG. 3C opened to provided access to the scent.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of another exemplary embodiment of a sensory game with flavor pieces and/or scent pieces.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of another exemplary embodiment of a sensory game with multiple flavor/scent pieces comprising strips individually wrapped.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan will understand that the described sensory games and methods of making and using them can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the described games and methods of making and using them can be placed into practice by modifying the specific components and rules of the disclosed embodiments. For example, while the description below includes an embodiment utilizing both taste and smell senses, embodiments may include only one or the other, or may be employed with completely different rules for gameplay with the flavor and scent pieces of the disclosed embodiments, or using different types of flavor and/or scent pieces.

In addition, some terms, such as directions (e.g., on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, lateral, orbital, horizontal, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.

Sensory games and methods of making and playing them are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures. In some embodiments, sensory games may include sensory pieces that provide flavors or scents to challenge players to identify the particular flavors or scents using their taste and smell senses in a way that can be scored. Teams or individuals may compete to be the best at identifying particular flavors and scents provided with the game.

Referring now to FIG. 1, sensory game 10 may include box 12 along with flavor pieces 30, scent pieces 50, or both. Rules for playing the game may be printed directly on the box, or may be included with the sensory game as a separate sheet or booklet (not shown). Additionally, various embodiments of sensory games may include (in addition to flavor pieces 30, scent pieces 50, or both) a playing board, movable pieces, dice, markers, scoring pads, timers, electronic scoring devices, etc., or other game pieces and devices used in parlor games, depending on the particular rules for gameplay.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, flavor pieces 30 may include container 32 holding a number of flavor strips 20. Container 32 may be provided to identify and protect flavor strips 20 for use in games. Identifying tag 40 may be provided to identify the specific flavor of flavor strip 20 contained in the particular container 32. Tag 40 may be placed on any surface of container 32, however, when placed on the bottom of container 32 and when a flavor strip 20 is retrieved from container 32, the identity of the flavor may be concealed during retrieval.

Container 32 may also have a selectively openable door 34 to permit selective access to individual flavor strips 20 held within container 32. Door 34 may be hinged and may securely close with a detent interface. Door 34 may be integrally formed in container 32 such that the hinged portion is a thinner section allowing bending to provide a pivot for door 34 to open and close. In some embodiments, door 34 may be separate and may slide open to provide access to the interior of container 32. In other embodiments, container 32 may be a simple two-piece container with a base and a removable lid instead of a door for accessing flavor strips 20. Container 32 may be formed of plastic or any other suitable container material for holding and protecting flavor strips 20.

Flavor strip 20 may be an edible film similar to those used in dissolving breath strips. Flavor strips 20 may be a hydrocolloid film made from hydrolyzed cellulose gum with added flavors and sweeteners. Such hydrocolloid films are currently available and can be made in a variety of flavors. Several different flavors may be included with sensory game 10 to provide a wide variety of flavor possibilities. For example, common flavors such as orange, apple, vanilla, chocolate, etc., may be provided along with uncommon flavors that game players would not expect such as ketchup, steak, glazed donut, margarita, etc. In some embodiments, unpleasant flavors may also be included such as ashtray, dirt, vomit, sour milk, fish oil, etc. In any case, all flavors are safe for human consumption.

In other embodiments, instead of flavor strip 20 as a hydrocolloid film, flavor piece 30 may provide access to other forms for carrying flavors such as: powder; liquid, solid, gel, paste, candy, etc. For example, instead of container 32, a dropper bottle that expends single drops of flavored fluid may be provided. Similarly, plastic strips with flavorant coating may be provided instead of dissolving strips.

Tag 40 may be provided on each individual flavor piece 30 to identify the flavor of the flavor strips 20 contained in each particular container 32. Tag 40 may simply provide a number that can be looked up on a table printed on box 12, in a game booklet, reference card, etc. For example, a number 4 may correspond to pineapple and number 56 may correspond to vinegar. Tag 40 may also simply provide the name of the flavor. Tag 40 may be provided on the bottom of container 32 such that a random flavor piece 30 may be selected and a flavor strip 20 retrieved from the container without showing tag 40 and revealing the identity of the flavor strip.

Tag 40 may be a sticker or may just be indicia on container 32 that is printed, embossed, engraved, stamped or otherwise provided for identification. In some embodiments, tag 40 may fold or slide open to reveal the identity. In other embodiments, container 32 may be simply a cellophane wrapper around flavor strip and tag 40 may simply be printed indicia on the cellophane wrapper. Likewise, wrapped flavor strips can also be provided in a container such as container 32.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, scent pieces 50 may be a folded piece of paper or other material, similar to fragrance advertisement inserts sometimes included with magazines. Scent pieces may include base 58, flap 52, scent strip 54, adhesive 56, and may also include tag 40 or other indicia on the bottom of each scent piece 50. When in place, flap 52 may be held down against base 58 by adhesive 56 to protect the scent or flavor strip 54 within the scent/flavor piece 50. In some embodiments, scent pieces 50 may be reusable by replacing flap 52 against a reusable adhesive 56. In other embodiments, each scent piece 50 may be disposable. Scent strip 54 may be scratch and sniff, such as is done with micro-encapsulation coatings that rupture when rubbed to release a scent.

In other embodiments of scent pieces, such as is shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, scent pieces 150 may each include a container 158, such as a bottle or other container with sealable lid 152, and may include scent body 154 that can be sampled by opening lid 152 to release a scent. Such embodiments may be reused many, many times until the scent is completely dispersed. In such embodiments, container 158 may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, glass, etc.

Similarly, in other embodiments, container 158 may have a flip-lid, and may have any suitable shape to provide access to a scent contained within container 158. Similarly, scent body may be attached to lid 152, or may be located within container 150. For example, in another embodiment, container 158 may have the general shape and size of container 32 for flavor strips 20, and may also include a hinged lid that snaps shut to provide selected access to a scent source within the container.

Similar to flavor pieces 30 discussed above, tag 40 may also be included with scent pieces 50 to identify the particular scent. Tag 40 may also be included on side or on the bottom of container 158 instead of on the side to conceal the identity of the scent.

Also similar to flavor pieces 30, scent pieces 50, 150 may come with a wide variety of different scents. As scents are different from flavors, some scents may be available that are not suitable for flavors and vice versa, allowing for a wide variety of different sensory experiences with game 10. For example, a campfire smell may not have a corresponding flavor just as copper flavor doesn't have a corresponding scent. There are particularly unpleasant odors that may be available that do not have a reasonable corresponding flavor which may be used with game 10, such as flatulence, decay and rot, rotten eggs, etc.

Because of the many different flavors and scents available, game 10 could conceivably include hundreds of different flavors, scents, or both. Any given game may include between 10 and 200 or more different flavor pieces 30, or a similar number of scent pieces 50, or some combination of the two. In more complex embodiments, a game piece could be a combination of one or more scents and/or flavors, such as peppermint apple cider, or chocolate milk. Similarly, different game packs may be offered with a flavor or scent theme or combination. For example, a tropical set could include coconut, banana, and mango flavors or scents along with sea water and shrimp flavors and ocean breeze and other tropical scents. Another set may include disgusting scents and flavors, or any of many other different combinations.

FIGS. 4 and 5 provide examples of how the game can be presented according to various embodiments. For example, FIG. 4 provides a sensory game with multiple flavor pieces and/or scent pieces presented in individual containers. Similarly, FIG. 5 provides another example of a sensory game with multiple flavor/scent pieces comprising strips individually wrapped in a cellophane, plastic, or paper type wrap.

In other embodiments, one or more opaque bags may be included with game 10 to hold different flavor pieces 30 or scent pieces 50 to allow for random selection. In some embodiments, flavors and scents may be grouped based on various factors such as level of difficulty or level of unpleasantness. For example, a dice may be rolled that determines from which bag a player may select and flavor piece 30 or scent piece 50, or whether or not a scent or flavor piece is to be selected. In other embodiments, additional points may be offered for correctly guessing unpleasant flavors and scents.

In one embodiment, game 10 may be played by between two and at least 10 players. Game 10 may be played with a first player taking one flavor strip 20, putting it on their tongue, and starting a timer. The first player can hold up the container so all of the other players can see the flavor printed on the container but not the first player. As soon as the first player has an answer, that player screams it out. The other players can then immediately see if the answer is correct by comparing it with tag 40 on the container and the identity of the flavor. If the first player is correct the clock is immediately stopped, the time is recorded, and the next player is up. If the player is wrong, they keep guessing as the timer continues until time expires or until a correct answer is given.

In another round, a player may take one scent strip 50, open it, start a timer, and smell the scent. As soon as the player has an answer for the scent, the player screams it out. Their answer is then crosschecked with tag 40 and the identity of the scent selected. If the answer is correct, the timer is immediately stopped, the time is recorded, and the next player is up. If the answer is wrong the timer keeps running until a correct answer is given or until the time runs out. Game 10 may proceed for a predetermined number of rounds with everyone randomly taking flavor strip 20 and/or scent strip 50. At the end of rounds, all times for each player are added up and the player with the lowest amount is declared the winner.

Of course, many different possibilities exist for the particular rules of game play. In some embodiments, game 10 can be used as a challenge game for an entire party of people, with each guest taking a single turn or as many as they want, with the shortest time being announced or receiving a prize. In other examples, game 10 may include a game board, player tokens, and dice. The dice may be rolled that determines a number of spaces on a game board for the token to move or may determine the type of scent or flavor to be sampled. Similarly, the game board may have various colored spaces that determine the type of flavor or scent to be sampled. An incorrect guess may require the player to move back a number of spaces or a correct guess may allow a token to be advanced some number of spaces.

In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set specifically discussed. Also, the examples and embodiments, in all respects, are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner. 

1. A game, the game comprising: a plurality of sensory pieces; rules for playing a game utilizing at least some of the sensory pieces to determine a winner among participating players.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensory pieces include a plurality of flavor pieces.
 3. The game of claim 2, wherein the plurality of flavor pieces includes multiple different flavors.
 4. The game of claim 3, wherein the plurality of flavor pieces includes pleasant and unpleasant flavors.
 5. The game of claim 2, wherein the flavor pieces each include a plurality of flavor strips.
 6. The game of claim 5, wherein the flavor strips are digestible flavored hydrocolloid film.
 7. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensory pieces include a plurality of scent pieces.
 8. The game of claim 7, wherein the plurality of scent pieces includes multiple different scents.
 9. The game of claim 8, wherein the plurality of scent pieces include pleasant and unpleasant scents.
 10. The game of claim 7, wherein the plurality of scent pieces each include a scent strip including micro-encapsulated scents.
 11. The game of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of sensory pieces includes a tag with indicia associated with the identity of the associated flavor or scent of each sensory piece.
 12. The game of claim 11, wherein the indicia is a number, and wherein the game further comprises a key that cross-references the number with one of a flavor or scent.
 13. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensory pieces include at least 200 different flavors or scents.
 14. A method of playing a sensory game, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a first player; the first player selecting a sensory piece from a plurality of sensory pieces; the first player sampling one of a flavor or scent from the selected sensory piece; recording a time for the first player; selecting a second player; the second player selecting a sensory piece from a plurality of sensory pieces; the second player sampling one of a flavor or scent from the selected sensory piece; recording a time for the second player; and declaring a winner based on recorded times.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of sensory pieces is one of a flavor piece or a scent piece.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the plurality of sensory pieces includes multiple different scents and multiple different flavors.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a timer, wherein the time for each player is determined based on the amount of time required to provide a correct identification of scent or flavor associated with the selected sensory piece.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of sensory pieces includes both pleasant and unpleasant sensory pieces. 